ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KIMT) – This weekend we will be setting our clocks back and enjoying an extra hour of sleep. However, Daylight Saving Time also serves as a reminder to do another important task and change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

The Albert Lea Fire Department wants to make sure residents are staying safe throughout the year and that’s why they’re encouraging everyone to change their smoke detectors this weekend.

“Four nine volt batteries is $10 to $15 if somebody were to go out and replace themselves,” said Robert Hoffman, Broker/Owner of Complete Realty. “For our 100 units, every Daylight Saving it’s about $1000 to $2000 that we’re spending making sure that everything is up to snuff.”

Hoffman is willing to spend that money to make sure his residents are safe. As the manager for many apartment complexes in Albert Lea he’s replacing the batteries in smoke detectors in every unit.

“When you’re changing the batteries the best thing to do is to remove the battery and push and hold the test button,” said Chief Deputy Jeff Laskowske, Albert Lea Fire Department. “The smoke detectors will hold a small charge throughout the process even without a battery in it.”

Fire departments across the country are sending out a reminder. So when you set your clock back for Daylight Saving Time also make sure to check the batteries in all the detectors in your home.

“My kids help me and they really enjoy going through the house and doing that,” said Laskowske.

It’s a simple step that could save a life.

“Many people’s lives depend on smoke detectors alerting them just in case,” said Hoffman. “It’s in our multi-family housing units, so a fire on the third floor effects somebody on the first floor.”

Laskowske also suggests making sure that everyone in your family who lives outside of your home changed their batteries this weekend.